...
VAX and PDP11 Hardware Virtualization allows users of HP VAX and PDP11 (Previously known as DIGITAL VAX and PDP11) computers to move application software and user data to a modern Intel or AMD based x86 compatible platform without having to make changes to software and data. VAX and PDP11 Hardware Virtualization is a software solution that replaces VAX and PDP11 hardware.
This approach is best understood when the VAX and PDP11 Hardware Virtualization Software is viewed as a special interface between the old VAX and PDP11 software and a new hardware platform. Basically, the CHARON software presents a VAX and PDP11 hardware interface to the original VAX and PDP11 software, so that the existing software cannot detect a difference. This means no changes have to be made to the existing software. User programs and data can be copied to a new modern industry standard server (64-bit or 32-bit Intel or AMD) and continue to run for many more years.
...
The Virtualization Software presents standard VAX and PDP11 devices to the VAX and PDP11 operating system, allowing the OS to function as though it were still running on a VAX and PDP11 computer. For example, virtual disk container files in a directory or physical devices of the host Windows platform are presented by the Virtualization Software to the VAX and PDP11 OS as emulated SCSI disks attached to a SCSI adapter.
With the use of current storage technology, disks do not have to be physically attached to the Host platform, they can also reside on a SAN or iSCSI storage structure.
...